Best Methods to Move OST File to Another Drive

Move Outlook OST File to Another Drive- Why it Matters?

Transferring your Outlook OST file to another drive helps to manage storage better and keeps your mailbox safe from drive-related issues. It also provides smooth Outlook performance and reduces the risk of data loss. Let’s see the advantages you get:

• It gives you more space on the system drive.
• Improves the overall Outlook speed and performance.
• Keeps the mailbox data safe if the primary drive gets corrupted.
• It helps you to organize data by storing large OST files separately.
• Also, provides smoother syncing with the email server.
• By moving the file, you can also prevent frequent Outlook crashes due to low disk space.

Step-by-Step Ways to Move OST File to Another Drive

There are manual methods and an automated way to move your OST files to another drive. You can either change the file location and registry settings or use a tool for a quicker and safer transfer. Let’s explore each one in detail:

Native Methods to Move Outlook OST Data File to Another Drive

You can move Outlook OST files manually by changing their default location or recreating them in a new drive. These methods require some technical steps, but can be done without extra tools. Also, you can check out our detailed guide on how to change OST file location. Let’s explore the manual approaches:

Method 1: Move OST File to Another Location Using Registry Editor

This method changes the default OST storage path through the Windows Registry and checks that Outlook creates the file in a new drive. Let’s see the steps:

1. Firstly, close Outlook completely.
2. After that, press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
3. Further, go to:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\<version>\Outlook

4. To proceed, create or modify the ForceOSTPath string value.
5. Later, enter the new OST file location (e.g., D:\OST Files).
6. Lastly, restart Outlook > it will generate a new OST file in that location.

Method 2: Move OST File to Another Drive by Creating New Profile

This method lets you transfer an OST file to another drive by first setting a new path in the registry and then creating a fresh Outlook profile. Follow the steps:

1. At first, close Outlook completely.
2. Afterward, press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
3. Further, in Registry Editor, go to:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\<version>\Outlook

   Note: (Use 16.0 for Outlook 2016/2019/365, 15.0 for 2013, etc.) in place of version.

4. To proceed, create or modify the ForceOSTPath string value and set it to your new folder path.
5. Meanwhile, open Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles.
6. Then, select Add, then configure your email account in the new profile.
7. Later, Outlook will automatically create the new OST file in the folder you specified.
8. Lastly, set this new profile as the default, then start Outlook.

Note: If you are planning to set up your mailbox on a new system. Here’s how you can easily open OST file on another computer.

Disadvantages of the Manual Methods

• Editing the Windows Registry is risky, and a small mistake can cause Outlook or Windows errors.
• Manual methods require technical knowledge, which makes them difficult for non-technical users.
• If the OST file is very large, recreating it in a new location takes hours to re-sync from the server.
• You cannot directly move an existing OST file; Outlook will always recreate it in the new path.
• Manual processes are time-consuming compared to professional tools that automate the transfer safely.

Automated Method to Move OST File to Another Drive

Manual methods work well but come with risks like registry errors, long re-sync times, and technical complexity. A professional tool provides a safer and faster way to move your OST file without data loss. With an advanced SysInfo OST Converter Tool, you can directly convert OST files and store them in any drive of your choice. It provides complete data integrity and smooth migration.

Steps to move the OST file to another location:

1. At first, start the OST to PST Converter Tool and select Browse to add OST files.
2. After that, select and upload the OST files you want to convert.
3. To proceed, preview the file content (emails, contacts, calendar, etc.) and select Next.
4. Meanwhile, from the saving options, choose the PST format.
5. Further, set the destination path and apply additional features.
6. At last, select Convert to start the conversion process.

Conclusion

Move OST file to another drive is essential when you switch drives, upgrade systems, or need a backup of your Outlook data. Manual methods can work, but they involve technical steps, risks of errors, and longer synchronization times. A professional Converter Tool makes the process faster, safer, and more efficient. Also, it does not lose valuable emails, contacts, or attachments. Nowadays, users also prefer to choose the tool over any complex task.

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About The Author:

Suman Rawat

Suman Rawat is a technical content writer and expert in the fields of email migration, data recovery, and email backup. Her passion for helping people has led her to resolve many user queries related to data conversion and cloud backup.